We are a place where people who have mental, physical, or developmental challenges, a substance abuse issue, or a need for socialization may drop in and receive peer support on a daily basis.

About Us

The Social Center provides a safe, comfortable place for individuals with disabilities (referred to as “members”) to socialize with others. Members are able to participate in daily activities such as bingo, karaoke, pool, card games, video games, and other planned events while at the center. The goal of the Social Center is to encourage members to think of themselves more than someone labeled by their disability. Although the Social Center does not provide clinical services, the program assists members in receiving appropriate referral information to other behavioral health services offered in the community.

Social Center members play a key role in the activities offered, meeting with staff regularly to identify and plan specific activities and outings.

The Center is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 2 PM.

Groups and educational sessions are routinely scheduled to start after 2:00pm. These sessions sre aimed at helping members increase their ability to socialize in smaller groups while teaching life skills.

Support Us

We support our community and your support is important to us.

We are always in need of items such as:

toiletries

cleaning products

arts and crafts supplies

paper towels, plates, plastic silverware

condiments

non-perishable food

grocery bags (plastic and paper)

If you have any items and would like to know if we could use them, please call the Social Center at (330) 453-8776 and ask to speak to a staff member. Thank you for thinking of us!

History

The concept of a “social center” grew out of a cooperative effort on the part of mental health services consumers, their families, local clergy and citizens, and city government. In the fall of 1985, the mayor and city council endorsed the concept and the city leased a building it owned to the first CFC at 9th and Walnut in downtown Canton. In 2003, the center moved to a building on the corner of 22nd and Cleveland Avenue NW. In August of 2014 the Center merged with Quest Recovery & Prevention Services and in 2016, became a program of CommQuest Services when Quest merged with Community Services of Stark County.

Currently

The CFC remains committed to providing services to our members. Those who believe the CFC can help their families and friends should drop in and find out if the CFC can enhance their life.

Consumer-Operated Service

The Canton Friendship Center is certified as a Consumer-Operated Service through Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services. We believe that peer support is a vital part of the recovery process; we strive to hire individuals with lived experience in addition to offering a place for individuals with disabilities to volunteer at the Center.

The members who get the most from the Center are those who contribute their time to assist in the daily operations and learn new skills and duties. Members are an asset at the Center and work with staff in many of the day-to-day tasks.

Members have learned to cook, create, and assist with activities and with the food pantry.

Suggestions and Comments

We welcome your suggestions for improvements to the Friendship Center and its programming. If you write your suggestions in a readable form you may place it in our suggestion box near the front door; staff will review the suggestions and pass them on to either the Activity Committee or their supervisors.

General Behavior Guidelines

If medical emergencies occur to members such as seizures, fainting, and heart attacks; action will be taken by staff members immediately.All members must clear the area to allow the person to receive the needed treatment from administrative staff and/or emergency trained specialist.

To maintain a safe environment, no drugs or alcohol are allowed on site.

Members and clients are expected to talk to each other with respect; no foul or abusive language.

Concealed weapons of any type are reason for a permanent suspension.

Sexually inappropriate conversations or actions will not be tolerated.

In order to respect the belongings of others, begging and panhandling is prohibited at the center.

Member Rights

If you feel you have not been treated properly at the Friendship Center, you can file a grievance. Forms are available at the front desk and the procedure is posted near the front entrance door.

If you need staff assistance, please see one of the CFC staff members and they will be glad to help you or direct you to an individual who can assist you.